Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has shared a remarkable account of how his unwavering faith in God earned him the nickname “miracle governor.”
Speaking on Friday during the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area Annual Day of Thanksgiving in Sampou, the governor recounted pivotal moments that tested his beliefs.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Diri revealed that in 2020, a prominent Nigerian elder approached him with a proposal to perform certain rituals to secure his gubernatorial aspirations.
At the time, the governor was challenging the declaration of the All Progressives Congress candidate as the winner of the November 2019 Bayelsa governorship election. The case was still pending at the Supreme Court.
According to Diri, the individual had flown in marabouts from Senegal for the ritual. When the governor refused to participate, citing his faith in God, the elder demanded reimbursement for the costs incurred. Diri said he refunded $10,000 but maintained his stance, trusting that God alone would determine his fate.
Diri explained, “Let me reveal to you why it is important to thank God and have faith in Him. Sometimes ago, a senior citizen of this country invited me to Abuja and asked me to perform certain sacrifices, but I declined.
I told him my faith in God would not allow me to do it. He got angry and told me I would never become governor.”
Despite this, the Supreme Court’s verdict eventually declared Diri the rightful governor, reinforcing his faith.
The elder who had approached him, Diri noted, later passed away.
The governor emphasized the importance of relying on divine guidance, urging politicians to trust in God rather than resorting to questionable practices.
He praised the Kolokuma/Opokuma council for instituting the Thanksgiving Day through legislation, citing it as a testament to the community’s gratitude for God’s blessings.
Apostle David Aggrey, the convener of the Thanksgiving Day, commended Governor Diri’s leadership and development strides in Bayelsa.
He urged the younger generation to recognize the importance of expressing gratitude for the progress they enjoy today.
The event highlighted Governor Diri’s commitment to his faith, which continues to shape his leadership and inspire the people of Bayelsa State.